tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26359780030134421222018-03-16T04:27:16.173-07:00The View From the CanoeThoughts and photos from the inside of my canoe.Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.comBlogger788125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-65771276348635475882018-03-12T14:44:00.000-07:002018-03-12T14:44:24.924-07:00Employee of the YearI had reached Foote Bridge and was just about to start writing when I spotted a white V-shaped object on the bottom of the water.&nbsp; As I fished it out with the tip of my paddle, two women walked onto the bridge and asked me, "what are you researching?"&nbsp; Interesting that something in my bearing should cause the word, research, to come up.&nbsp; It was animal bone, likely deer.&nbsp; Secured in the boat, I had a delightful conversation with the women.<br /><br />I started by the sea and came up river with a minor wind out of the north or east.&nbsp; Nothing of note, meaning it was a perfectly fine trip, happened until I got to the bottom of the Big Bends where an immature Bald Eagle was flying circles. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RrHFYu9IFFk/WqbwIkAKXfI/AAAAAAAAFVg/Mb___d59cGc5SV5a2e4b8E_LPXnyOfphgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4315x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RrHFYu9IFFk/WqbwIkAKXfI/AAAAAAAAFVg/Mb___d59cGc5SV5a2e4b8E_LPXnyOfphgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4315x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>For me, it takes 2 or 3 days traveling solo before I get comfortable with myself.&nbsp; It takes about a week to fully bed into the experience.&nbsp; Seven days is when everything is "now"... the things coming in the future will be handled then, the things in the past have been passed.&nbsp; But thoughts of work intrude...I know that paddling will make it dissipate.&nbsp; My boss sent me an email, "why haven't you contacted this customer? I asked you to do it a week ago."&nbsp; Actually, he told me to do it a week ago, which is different.&nbsp; But, a question is special...it lets me use my creativity. His problem is an opportunity for me.&nbsp; Possible answers bubble to the surface:<br />1.&nbsp; Because I suck at my job.&nbsp; (I reserve the right to use this later, for the most part it isn't true)<br />2. Until I can figure out how to use the company spam filter, I am using my own analog spam filter. (this is true, I am ignoring him)<br />3. I knew it would piss you off. (which is true)<br />4. I had more important things to do. (which is true, but it is never heard when said out loud, so why bother)<br /><br />I return to something I do best...I begin paddling back down river.&nbsp; I am Employee of the Year at canoeing.&nbsp; The wind is in my face through much of the upper marsh.&nbsp; It is stiff, but I have a mile an hour of ebb current in my favor, so the canoe continues along at something less than walking pace.&nbsp; It makes no difference to the canoeing Employee of the Year.<br /><br />Above the arch bridge I enter the Connecticut hardwood forest.&nbsp; The marsh is completely snow-trodden, the forest, even in winter bareness, is dramatic.&nbsp; It is a welcoming place.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RAuaq0CRVTM/WqbwK2AAMcI/AAAAAAAAFVo/CFujMCC0HVMeX-2XVNskWs6Myt8oeR3zQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4320x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RAuaq0CRVTM/WqbwK2AAMcI/AAAAAAAAFVo/CFujMCC0HVMeX-2XVNskWs6Myt8oeR3zQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4320x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I turned back from the bridge when the conversation with the two women ended.<br />This time at the Big Bends there was no Eagle.&nbsp; However, I spotted a grey Loon several hundred yards off...A Red Throated Loon.&nbsp; They pass through here in early spring.&nbsp; It is smaller than the Common Loon, but equally beautiful.&nbsp; It dives...I wait and watch.&nbsp; It surfaces and dives again.&nbsp; It will evade me by swimming.&nbsp; I wait and watch.&nbsp; Nothing.&nbsp; I round the bend and find it several hundred yards downstream.&nbsp; It probably had to breath only once to make that distance.&nbsp; As I approach, it dives.&nbsp; It surfaces near me, but only for a moment.&nbsp; It dives.&nbsp; It comes up a couple hundred yards upstream of me, returning to where I first saw it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jola4YMuDJw/WqbwKSigW2I/AAAAAAAAFVk/Y-t5t7wp41EGvzuJvLwRmxDVT423V0wPwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4325x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jola4YMuDJw/WqbwKSigW2I/AAAAAAAAFVk/Y-t5t7wp41EGvzuJvLwRmxDVT423V0wPwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4325x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-78597825513203846012018-03-06T13:06:00.002-08:002018-03-06T13:06:21.174-08:00Eagles and BeaverA Nor'Easter came through a couple days back, steady 35 mph winds with gusts up to 50.&nbsp; Today is the calm between storms.&nbsp; More wind is predicted for tomorrow with snow coming tonight.&nbsp; But, what a calm it is.&nbsp; I head out from Ely's Ferry in clear sky with temperatures in the 40's and more or less no wind.<br /><br /><br />I paddle upstream, and no sooner than 50 yards out, where I pass under a still unoccupied Osprey nest, an immature Bald Eagle drops down out of the trees and heads across the river.&nbsp; No more than a couple hundred yards, and a second immature Eagle leaves a perch and heads upriver towards Hamburg Cove.&nbsp; It is a good start to the day.<br /><br />I follow the shore closely, the water being quite cold, and the interesting stuff being found where land and water meet.&nbsp; Halfway between Hamburg Cove and Selden Channel I head up into a small creek that I have always bypassed.&nbsp; The mouth is usually very shallow, but with the high rive and high tide I slip into it easily.&nbsp; It is a nice side journey through swamp and after perhaps a third of a mile it meets one of Connecticut's 4000 dams, this one an old low earthen, stone and cement structure.&nbsp; It's hard to say whether it had any purpose other than to create a pond...not enough height for much power generation.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MWEPBj1Pi-Q/Wp8COSEpTjI/AAAAAAAAFVA/KwP8V8tFEjcySUpiwWiHUL-0nBvQBCpWACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4296x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MWEPBj1Pi-Q/Wp8COSEpTjI/AAAAAAAAFVA/KwP8V8tFEjcySUpiwWiHUL-0nBvQBCpWACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4296x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">an almost mature Bald Eagle</td></tr></tbody></table>Just short of the bottom of Selden Channel I spot a more mature Eagle.&nbsp; With my binoculars I can see that it is an immature that almost has adult colors.&nbsp; The head is mostly white as is the tail, but the body is still the mottled feathering seen on juveniles.<br /><br />Part way up the channel I am watching carefully a piece of land that the state has posted no trespassing.&nbsp; I suspect it might be to protect a nest, but I can't see anything.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms4ya_9Rzd4/Wp8CN4GcHfI/AAAAAAAAFU8/d2LfPpxrig4CUfghOCjYcFkyRuQSsbLkQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4309x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms4ya_9Rzd4/Wp8CN4GcHfI/AAAAAAAAFU8/d2LfPpxrig4CUfghOCjYcFkyRuQSsbLkQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4309x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />KER-PLOP!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WcXs6GGr4nc/Wp8CMqLwLWI/AAAAAAAAFU4/vZmr0pt2ZfsbxPb_-t8yXSt9WEhpYFd9QCLcBGAs/s1600/MVI_4314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WcXs6GGr4nc/Wp8CMqLwLWI/AAAAAAAAFU4/vZmr0pt2ZfsbxPb_-t8yXSt9WEhpYFd9QCLcBGAs/s400/MVI_4314.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The slap of a beaver behind me.&nbsp; I turn to see a medium sized beaver in the water.&nbsp; It circles downwind of me to catch my sent, and then begins swimming around me at a distance.&nbsp;<br />We watch each other for about 15 minutes.&nbsp;&nbsp; I get a few more tail slaps out of the beaver, and then I head off back in the direction from which I came.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vyyOBHA8j1M/Wp8CO0BpF-I/AAAAAAAAFVE/MZM-TWor0-stFNtRUPFpfAXfKcAAGYJrACLcBGAs/s1600/MVI_4314x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vyyOBHA8j1M/Wp8CO0BpF-I/AAAAAAAAFVE/MZM-TWor0-stFNtRUPFpfAXfKcAAGYJrACLcBGAs/s400/MVI_4314x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Just as I near Hamburg Cove, a fully mature Bald Eagle flies past heading upstream.&nbsp; That makes four for the day.Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-88369744025076712632018-03-01T13:39:00.000-08:002018-03-01T13:39:21.214-08:00Nest Check Day 3I put in up in the forest finding the river spring high but also with a rising tide, even though this place is thirty miles from the sea.&nbsp; It was already in the mid 50's and the wind was near calm.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5q1jfxSgRSs/WphySlxvHHI/AAAAAAAAFUU/lmZRE79IAvEVrszDrRXfkWXCh5Sa11u_wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4251x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5q1jfxSgRSs/WphySlxvHHI/AAAAAAAAFUU/lmZRE79IAvEVrszDrRXfkWXCh5Sa11u_wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4251x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The mission was to run a check on an Eagle nest that lies about a 1/2 hour paddle down from here.&nbsp;<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OOOimpAqujg/WphyUlbi_ZI/AAAAAAAAFUc/vS2CjYYd1SghXsjWb-gKDGvHTd_xSOtCACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4262x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OOOimpAqujg/WphyUlbi_ZI/AAAAAAAAFUc/vS2CjYYd1SghXsjWb-gKDGvHTd_xSOtCACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4262x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I often photograph forests in sepia tone, the green often being too strong for a photograph and black and white being to cold for an environment filled with life.&nbsp; The high haze and leafless deciduous forest and dormant undergrowth has created a landscape that shows sepia even with my camera set to color.&nbsp; Trees will begin to bud out soon and the most incredible crop of poison ivy will soon turn this land green.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-504pctitB3g/WphyTtYeZ_I/AAAAAAAAFUY/m_eGzVwoX4EgDeQ-ipl2xfmgwHwisLVaACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4269x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-504pctitB3g/WphyTtYeZ_I/AAAAAAAAFUY/m_eGzVwoX4EgDeQ-ipl2xfmgwHwisLVaACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4269x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beaver activity</td></tr></tbody></table>I reach the Eagle nest in about a half hour and find it unoccupied.&nbsp; This area of the marsh is well open with long uninterrupted sightlines.&nbsp; There are no Eagles in the vicinity.&nbsp; I watch the nest for a few minutes just to be sure, and then move on.<br /><br />I spot a mature Bald Eagle near where the&nbsp;Coginchaug River enters the Mattebasset.&nbsp; It chases a hawk and then climbs high to soar.&nbsp;<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L2Aot3scL3U/WphyWFFOvyI/AAAAAAAAFUg/SbGHdIfOfN40HXjtxB2sxlZwno_1JTvpQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4271x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L2Aot3scL3U/WphyWFFOvyI/AAAAAAAAFUg/SbGHdIfOfN40HXjtxB2sxlZwno_1JTvpQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4271x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />With the high water I paddle up the Coginchaug farther than I ever have before.&nbsp; I almost reach the first road bridge before turning back.&nbsp; I get a second Eagle sighting just as I reach the Mattebasset.&nbsp; The Eagle flies off to the east and doesn't seem particularly associated with the nest.<br /><br /><br />Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-79821411697551366472018-02-28T11:41:00.001-08:002018-02-28T11:41:13.151-08:00Observations Day 2I set out on the Lieutenant River heading upstream at the peak of a very high tide with a following wind.&nbsp; It is again, a sunny day in the 50's with only a slightly stronger wind than yesterday. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uceofS_wt-Q/WpcD8FmGY5I/AAAAAAAAFTk/Bn4dKVcCBiI0nQk_bmIxYvQq0oEdZUosACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4234x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uceofS_wt-Q/WpcD8FmGY5I/AAAAAAAAFTk/Bn4dKVcCBiI0nQk_bmIxYvQq0oEdZUosACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4234x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I've seen Eagles farther up in the river, and there is a possible nest that seems a bit small, but I've never seen the nest directly associated with any of the Eagle sightings.&nbsp; Right way I spot large birds in the air - Turkey Vultures.&nbsp; There's at least six and possibly ten soaring near the river.&nbsp;<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YYkReg1OpKk/WpcD8s6tNPI/AAAAAAAAFTo/2cdhYS27CWE8GMbVt8cmfHLUeI4MPsQ3wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4226x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YYkReg1OpKk/WpcD8s6tNPI/AAAAAAAAFTo/2cdhYS27CWE8GMbVt8cmfHLUeI4MPsQ3wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4226x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>When I get up to Boulder Swamp, which also forms a large pond at a bend in the river, an Eagle flies past and takes a perch in one of the trees on the west hillside.&nbsp; There is a Red Tailed Hawk there as well and the Eagle vocalizes its disapproval.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whU0nnbF1V8/WpcD-Jneh7I/AAAAAAAAFTs/7XWzVyeWnkAAbGvnUwlLPWNe5Q46bc4_ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4225x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whU0nnbF1V8/WpcD-Jneh7I/AAAAAAAAFTs/7XWzVyeWnkAAbGvnUwlLPWNe5Q46bc4_ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4225x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Next, I head up the river into the forest to check on the beaver dam.&nbsp; I pass the earlier mentioned nest but see no sign of life. There is a good deal of beaver activity, quite a few downed trees and several that are being worked on.&nbsp; Chicken wire on some of the trees show that the neighbors are letting the beaver be while protecting some of the larger trees.&nbsp; The best way to control beaver is to fool them into "behaving".&nbsp;&nbsp; Anyway, the dam is in fine shape.&nbsp; High water is topping the dam, but it is not breached.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xTtCnfs1lP8/WpcEBrnHykI/AAAAAAAAFTw/vaLJR8ASqLI-bMRv1QnvnBMNfXM7YSfNgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4248x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xTtCnfs1lP8/WpcEBrnHykI/AAAAAAAAFTw/vaLJR8ASqLI-bMRv1QnvnBMNfXM7YSfNgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4248x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>On my way out I spot the head of an Eagle in the nest.&nbsp; It is deep down, no wonder I missed it on the way up.&nbsp; It appears to be tending eggs...not moving, just watching.&nbsp; The mate is in a nearby tree and flies off as I pass.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sITHiegNmB0/WpcECBt3BDI/AAAAAAAAFT0/isEhTi_zQHQ-sCgwQLp9MKzZcmcfP1WogCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4245x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sITHiegNmB0/WpcECBt3BDI/AAAAAAAAFT0/isEhTi_zQHQ-sCgwQLp9MKzZcmcfP1WogCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4245x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-45493971761546653112018-02-27T15:08:00.000-08:002018-02-27T15:08:12.298-08:00The MissionI had purpose today.&nbsp; I put in at Pilgrim's Landing and headed up river into Lords Cove.&nbsp; Cold weather, work, and travel have kept me off of the water for too long.&nbsp; But, this day comes with sun and temperatures near 50F with wind that is not particularly bothersome.&nbsp; I don my drysuit only because the water has a good deal of catching up to do with the air.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KWTUUWiptLc/WpXizPqMZEI/AAAAAAAAFTM/R2-BZb1Lzq82INISAcDNUzk5xb6O_La5wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4197x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KWTUUWiptLc/WpXizPqMZEI/AAAAAAAAFTM/R2-BZb1Lzq82INISAcDNUzk5xb6O_La5wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4197x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I occasionally flush a duck or a few Canada Geese.&nbsp; It's Buffleheads, one or two Hooded Mergansers, some Blacks, and a couple of Common Mergansers.&nbsp; Quiet.&nbsp; There's a few hawks around, perhaps Broadwings, but I don't take time to identify them...hawks is close enough for today's mission.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ngz20l9Fcw4/WpXiy7ZhPUI/AAAAAAAAFTI/i8ToSu-J1V8_lBF5MYofrd6vUvDXK7fMACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4207x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ngz20l9Fcw4/WpXiy7ZhPUI/AAAAAAAAFTI/i8ToSu-J1V8_lBF5MYofrd6vUvDXK7fMACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4207x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>My mission is the Eagle nest in the second large cove above the put in.&nbsp; It is well hidden for something that is in plain sight.&nbsp; I noticed it last year.&nbsp; I've watched it since then.&nbsp; The female is quite large, the females generally being bigger than the males.&nbsp; These are especially good parents.&nbsp; It is normal for one chick to fledge and excellent if two survive.&nbsp; Last year, three chicks flew away from this nest.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x3VFdoWh1os/WpXizlbeasI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/M0U7aLL7dpk4AvvqoW0kIQdTO6Yt68Q1gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4201x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x3VFdoWh1os/WpXizlbeasI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/M0U7aLL7dpk4AvvqoW0kIQdTO6Yt68Q1gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4201x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I spot an Eagle from several hundred yards, the white head a spot of brilliance out of place in the top of the evergreen.&nbsp; This is the time of year when Eagles lay eggs, and it does look like this one is tending.&nbsp; It sits low in the nest and stays put for the ten minutes that I watch.&nbsp; The mate is nowhere to be seen...likely out hunting for food until it is time to trade places.<br /><br /><br />Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-25571500034829044212018-02-19T11:23:00.003-08:002018-02-19T11:23:41.828-08:00My TownI portage the 200 yards from the house, down the hill, down the seawall, and into the salt water.&nbsp; It's a trip I do less often than when we first moved to this town.&nbsp; But, it is worthwhile, particularly in the winter when no other boats are around other than the oyster fleet.&nbsp;<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bVNs_ZuMPa0/WosixPrSG4I/AAAAAAAAFSo/Y0rICO9_DFIuW1UlQs4iW3ZJeLaslvm5gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4185x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bVNs_ZuMPa0/WosixPrSG4I/AAAAAAAAFSo/Y0rICO9_DFIuW1UlQs4iW3ZJeLaslvm5gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4185x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I cut through or around the groins, the man-made rock wing dams that were intended to limit erosion or to hold beach sand in place.&nbsp; Milford touts its miles of beaches.&nbsp; I think more of its dozens of groins.&nbsp; We have 8 or 10 in our neighborhood...whatever the original plan was, they certainly didn't keep any sand in place.&nbsp; Our shore is all cobbles and boulders.<br /><br />All of the winter neighbors are about.&nbsp; Brandts swim right at the waters edge picking at things growing in rocky shallows.&nbsp; Long Tail Ducks are farther out, although not as far as usual.&nbsp; They dive long and deep feeding off the bottom.&nbsp; The males call out nonstop - and with the calm air I can hear a great many more than I can see.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WRfnOkuhdNk/WosixNgqmdI/AAAAAAAAFSs/fTamuu1XS0sVkBPfajSoNPp0lU1mcFoXgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4191x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WRfnOkuhdNk/WosixNgqmdI/AAAAAAAAFSs/fTamuu1XS0sVkBPfajSoNPp0lU1mcFoXgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4191x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Harbor</td></tr></tbody></table>I paddle into our small harbor.&nbsp; I figure it would've been an excellent protected anchorage for 18th century sailing ships, but too small for the larger vessels of the steam era.&nbsp; It is now a mix of work and pleasure craft.&nbsp; It is always quiet in winter.&nbsp; When we first moved here most of my canoe trips started in the harbor. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AFaOTJONVUk/Wosixja2kjI/AAAAAAAAFSw/8E_Mu_hDh1QOfBoR_11p-TuwfuftP-WfQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4195x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AFaOTJONVUk/Wosixja2kjI/AAAAAAAAFSw/8E_Mu_hDh1QOfBoR_11p-TuwfuftP-WfQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4195x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The clouds meet me at the harbor entrance.&nbsp; Rain is predicted for the afternoon, but it I don't sense it coming, yet.<br /><br />I turn and return home under grey skies.&nbsp; I portage up the seawall, then 200 yards to home.&nbsp; I am happy to live here.<br /><br /><br />Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-5059433929096907022018-02-16T14:12:00.002-08:002018-02-16T14:12:55.428-08:00Peaceful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ablvbhC3J7k/WodWraJlBuI/AAAAAAAAFSI/tFOf_1smZEMJkHZPfxJKCoCHaGK5eKMogCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4172x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ablvbhC3J7k/WodWraJlBuI/AAAAAAAAFSI/tFOf_1smZEMJkHZPfxJKCoCHaGK5eKMogCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4172x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I put in at the Foote Bridge, near the upper end of the canoeable section of the river after finding the road leading to the launch site at the sea flooded with the unusually high tide.&nbsp; Even as I set out I decided not to paddle the full length knowing well enough that the ebb current would be a tough grind on the way back.&nbsp; Instead, I used the very high water to explore the inlets and seldom flooded areas on the side of the main river.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2smXpl9iEvo/WodWpK3b7bI/AAAAAAAAFSA/6NpUNbMle2gddfNm9ePZxK7oUfxaJMR_gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4173x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2smXpl9iEvo/WodWpK3b7bI/AAAAAAAAFSA/6NpUNbMle2gddfNm9ePZxK7oUfxaJMR_gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4173x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />It was calm and near 50 degrees.&nbsp; I was thinking about how peaceful it was when a few Canada Geese disturbed it all honking their complaint about my presence.&nbsp; I rethought that idea, and returned to the reality that it was quite peaceful - geese might be noisy, but they do not disturb the peace.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uBpJGiGOdLw/WodWrA9P_XI/AAAAAAAAFSE/537OcD2GN40lib_CiU1O5gJEDoaXKKNgQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4183x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uBpJGiGOdLw/WodWrA9P_XI/AAAAAAAAFSE/537OcD2GN40lib_CiU1O5gJEDoaXKKNgQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4183x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Other than a dozen Canada Geese, I spotted about the same number of Black Ducks, and one medium sized but unidentified hawk.<br /><br />The wind came up just as I ended the trip.&nbsp; A drop of 30 degrees and snow is in the forecast.Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-46544304475302711572018-01-30T14:28:00.001-08:002018-01-30T14:28:04.593-08:00Strong EbbIt snowed during the night, not much, just an inch or so.<br />I put in at the sea and headed up against a very strong ebb current.&nbsp; I had consulted the tide table as to timing of the tides, but I did not check the levels.&nbsp; As there is no snow remaining in the spartina flats of the lower marsh, the tide was obviously quite high (the spartina is awash at the highest of tides).&nbsp; This is the strongest current that I can remember on this river and at times I barely make headway.&nbsp; I ferry back and forth across the river, using the downstream sides of bends where the current is lighter to speed my way up, such as it is.&nbsp; A few times I catch a strong eddy and coast up against the flow.&nbsp; It takes an hour to paddle the mile up to the railroad bridge.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L9NtgfnptOk/WnDuHJPhTWI/AAAAAAAAFRw/2dl5vZETZkEWZQl8GevqtzahRC3OzzQfQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4100x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L9NtgfnptOk/WnDuHJPhTWI/AAAAAAAAFRw/2dl5vZETZkEWZQl8GevqtzahRC3OzzQfQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4100x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way up</td></tr></tbody></table>The temperature is in the lower 30's.&nbsp; It is a solo canoeing experience.&nbsp; The spartina has been trampled by earlier snows and the marsh has a disheveled appearance.&nbsp; There are few birds - some gulls, a few ducks, and a nice sized flock of Canada Geese at the Big Bends.<br /><br />I turn at the arched bridge.&nbsp; Even after two hours the current is still strong.&nbsp; It was for sure a very high tide.&nbsp; The return is a quick and easy paddle.<br /><i>-the tide was a 6.2...a half foot short of record high</i><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Em-lbbg2734/WnDuGsMUHlI/AAAAAAAAFRs/OgvTcEq_ZjwysZRjnmcvXkXtgKcojl8qACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4114x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Em-lbbg2734/WnDuGsMUHlI/AAAAAAAAFRs/OgvTcEq_ZjwysZRjnmcvXkXtgKcojl8qACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4114x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way down</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-75172338131064827632018-01-22T11:12:00.002-08:002018-01-22T11:12:24.556-08:00Ice InventoryIt's about the weather.<br />A cold snap arrived about a month ago - a week or more of temperatures in the single digits and teens - to the point of putting a sheet of ice on Long Island Sound - the second time in six years here that I've seen that happen.&nbsp; Tidal rivers will stay fairly open until it gets like that due to the rising and falling of the tides breaking up the ice and the currents moving the chunks away.&nbsp; This time the rivers froze over, which was followed by about a foot of snow.&nbsp; The snowfall becomes significant because the tidal waters saturate it and form a foot thick layer of ice in just a few days.&nbsp; And, when a recent warm spell and rain broke up the ice, the rivers become choked with some fairly impressive cake ice.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hcxlM25mIfQ/WmY3YwMBf8I/AAAAAAAAFRY/RsV6gW8H0bks9iY3Qc4QxxH6i8zXsmabwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4074x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hcxlM25mIfQ/WmY3YwMBf8I/AAAAAAAAFRY/RsV6gW8H0bks9iY3Qc4QxxH6i8zXsmabwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4074x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I put in at the sea.&nbsp; Only the usual culprits are here - myself and, John, a local fishing guide/casting instructor.&nbsp; He reports a recent eagle sighting and asks about loons, which I confirm are here during the winter, particularly near river mouths where they use the currents to help catch fish.<br /><br />The lower river is nearly clear of ice, and that goes for the banks and spartina flats.&nbsp; Part of paddling in these conditions is to account for ice to make sure that you can get back to shore.&nbsp; The first choke point is the railroad bridge, but with the tide flooding, any ice that collect there has been pushed upstream.&nbsp; I can't mess around much with ice jammed at the railroad - the portage would be&nbsp; dangerous as well as illegal.<br /><br />I find a good amount of floating cake as I near the Boston Post Road bridge and I suspect that much of it was at the railroad bridge about 2 hours ago.&nbsp; Anyway, it's not enough to worry about in this section of the river. I continue up.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KaIFDR9Odxk/WmY3YhzDpPI/AAAAAAAAFRU/L-IYStFpRvkftfZZUG3WGZkKBvQBeDG_gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4080x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KaIFDR9Odxk/WmY3YhzDpPI/AAAAAAAAFRU/L-IYStFpRvkftfZZUG3WGZkKBvQBeDG_gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4080x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The highway bridge is the stopping point.&nbsp; It will be a short trip.&nbsp; Upstream the river is ice bank to bank and although it isn't a solid sheet, it would not be possible to pass without a long portage...and a long portage on the return.&nbsp; I turn back and meet the patch of cake ice about halfway from where I last saw it.<br /><br /><br />Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-75874770808835528012017-12-24T16:47:00.001-08:002017-12-24T16:47:35.177-08:00Raw DayI call it "halfway" when I get to the Gravel Flats.&nbsp; I could wade the 150 yards or so, but I see no point - this trip has already reached "good enough".<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S9k21Sn5ewQ/WkBJwwisgiI/AAAAAAAAFQ8/Dxfiq1JLkkcAqOpJ-v-sB2OmIJ2UBf9lgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3965x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S9k21Sn5ewQ/WkBJwwisgiI/AAAAAAAAFQ8/Dxfiq1JLkkcAqOpJ-v-sB2OmIJ2UBf9lgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3965x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I put in at the sea with much more wind than expected given that it was calm when I left the house.&nbsp; The wind chill is downright nippy.&nbsp; But, the tide is near low and I am down in the banks where I can find, from time to time, protection from the breeze.&nbsp; I head up the main river knowing that the Sneak will not hold enough water for passage, yet.&nbsp;<br /><br />I spook ten Buffleheads at the second bend.&nbsp; Otherwise, it is pretty quite until I get up to the Big Bends, where I find the action as I did on my last trip.&nbsp; I figure that I flush about 75 Black Ducks with a few Mallards in the mix.&nbsp; They commonly intermingle and are even capable of breeding together.&nbsp; Other than coloration, there is little difference in appearance.&nbsp; There are also a couple types of wintering sandpiper-ish birds (Dunlin).&nbsp; Unlike the ducks, they are quite undisturbed by my presence.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aSMh8W6M1aM/WkBJxD39IYI/AAAAAAAAFRA/MB9wMZX5sNUIZ7R8I7Z92V9xgYBLzzWVgCLcBGAs/s1600/MVI_3989x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aSMh8W6M1aM/WkBJxD39IYI/AAAAAAAAFRA/MB9wMZX5sNUIZ7R8I7Z92V9xgYBLzzWVgCLcBGAs/s400/MVI_3989x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dunlin</td></tr></tbody></table>Tomorrow people will celebrate the birth of a middle eastern Jewish boy to migrant parents that gave birth in a barn.&nbsp; Let that sink in.Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-15483226816388325592017-12-19T16:31:00.002-08:002017-12-19T16:31:17.140-08:00On the LietenantI stop at the Lieutenant River and then get back in my car and head upriver.&nbsp; But, when I get to Hamburg Cove I see that it is fairly well frozen in with a thin layer of ice and this does not bode well for my recent plans, so I turn around and return to the Lieutenant.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b6IAZGaIbfE/Wjmu9lBMGpI/AAAAAAAAFQo/PpZXTyKP9hYvsAEQPkzcg2ukQXnizU04gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3957x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b6IAZGaIbfE/Wjmu9lBMGpI/AAAAAAAAFQo/PpZXTyKP9hYvsAEQPkzcg2ukQXnizU04gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3957x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hooded Mergansers</td></tr></tbody></table>I put in and head upstream.&nbsp; The Lieutenant is a nice river of sparse houses that often set well back from the river, marshland and forest.&nbsp; It is an easy and pleasant paddle.&nbsp; Up a couple miles it broadens into a open bay that is deceptively filled with car and truck sized boulders for a canoe to bash into when the tide level is just wrong.&nbsp; I paddle through it at normal speed well aware of the danger and focusing my attention on what lies ahead beneath the surface.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5-RhiDWeIpc/Wjmu88940-I/AAAAAAAAFQk/HA1t1l_gPw4ziSjvzuAbxovQpnRMgHbXQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3961x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5-RhiDWeIpc/Wjmu88940-I/AAAAAAAAFQk/HA1t1l_gPw4ziSjvzuAbxovQpnRMgHbXQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3961x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>There is a long meandering backwater that I like to explore, but today that area is frozen in and the effort required to make headway through what looks to be thin ice is not worth it.&nbsp; I head up the true river instead, a very narrow creek that is canoeable for about a 1/3 of a mile.&nbsp; There is a good deal of fresh beaver sign...lots of gnawings, one lodge that I don't remember from past trips and one that I do.&nbsp; The dam near the bridge is at least 18 inches higher than it was earlier this year.&nbsp; But, it has a breach that might be due to a tree that fell pulling its root ball, which was a part of the dam.&nbsp;<br />While I am observing the area, an otter swims into view.&nbsp; It tucks in under the brush on the bank and watches me as I watch it.&nbsp; Then, it submerges and I watch the bubble trail, air squeezed from the fur, until it swims out of view.&nbsp; It is time to head out.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vagt14qTZRM/Wjmu-pzptlI/AAAAAAAAFQs/-T00dcYrd9oL4ZqRE3JAbv3UUBTWh7WOACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3962x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vagt14qTZRM/Wjmu-pzptlI/AAAAAAAAFQs/-T00dcYrd9oL4ZqRE3JAbv3UUBTWh7WOACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3962x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New lodge at left edge</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-59730636074459956622017-12-18T16:43:00.002-08:002017-12-18T16:43:58.812-08:00RitualMy friend, C, who is as close to a sister as anyone I have known, referred one day to my canoeing as a ritual that I perform as part of my art process.&nbsp;&nbsp; I've always been a bit tongue tied as to how to describe my "canoe thing"...sometimes it just takes a friend to put the right vocabulary out there.<br /><br />I put in by the sea with the temperature at about freezing, the sky heavily overcast, the winds calm, and the tide just approaching high.&nbsp; It has been some time since I've been out, the weather being too gusty or too snowy on my free days to even think about setting out.&nbsp; Even today I hesitate with the idea expecting cold and little to see...time lets one build up bigger walls than there really are.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83ZR-DudzV8/WjhgT7UbiGI/AAAAAAAAFQI/Fi6y5f8HqtUn2rV1JYgejmuZQUc0y5ebwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3919x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83ZR-DudzV8/WjhgT7UbiGI/AAAAAAAAFQI/Fi6y5f8HqtUn2rV1JYgejmuZQUc0y5ebwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3919x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I head up the Neck, then Bailey Creek, and then into the Sneak.&nbsp; I flush a few Black Ducks and a few Hoodies (Hooded Mergansers), but overall it is quiet.&nbsp; The Sneak is open with some floating chunks of ice until I reach the high spot.&nbsp; I suppose this high spot is an inch higher than either end, but it is where the currents meet or divide with the tides.&nbsp; So, it is the most still section of the Sneak and here I find a 100 yards of solid ice.&nbsp; But, with the tide high, there is an open channel to the side of the ice, the ice having conveniently taken the shape of the Sneak at a mid tide level. I paddle past and back into open water.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yRZTPLh4p8k/WjhgVbQ9RGI/AAAAAAAAFQQ/xCFgiT-3YyE3pbzC-9DNsZfrCTqdbKLJACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3931x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yRZTPLh4p8k/WjhgVbQ9RGI/AAAAAAAAFQQ/xCFgiT-3YyE3pbzC-9DNsZfrCTqdbKLJACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3931x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>At the Big Bends I flush a mixed flock of a hundred ducks (mostly Blacks) and a hundred Canada Geese.&nbsp; It is impressive to see and hear.&nbsp; As I continue through the last of the Big Bend I continue to flush Geese and Ducks from the shallow pannes in the marsh as well as from the river.&nbsp; I figure a tally of five hundred easily before I am alone.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P6liosXrtz0/WjhgULvrE3I/AAAAAAAAFQM/psnh3csrW00uYGmW2kAdliFPQX_X6MBMwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3935x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1500" height="268" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P6liosXrtz0/WjhgULvrE3I/AAAAAAAAFQM/psnh3csrW00uYGmW2kAdliFPQX_X6MBMwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3935x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>There is more ice in the river above the Arch Bridge.&nbsp; This all makes sense if one pays attention to the vegetation.&nbsp; Cattails have replaced the spartina...this indicates fresh water instead of salt...and a freezing temperature 4 degrees higher.&nbsp; None of it interferes with my route other than to cause me to perform some pleasant zigs and zags.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-87iU-8mfX_g/WjhgWJMr_HI/AAAAAAAAFQU/bX8VIW32_uAhnftQ3WrC6-u5XWDoZKkZQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3949x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-87iU-8mfX_g/WjhgWJMr_HI/AAAAAAAAFQU/bX8VIW32_uAhnftQ3WrC6-u5XWDoZKkZQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3949x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I turn from the bend above Foote Bridge and ride a gentle ebb current back.&nbsp; In the lower marsh I spot a Northern Harrier...obvious by head shape and bright white rump patch.&nbsp; It is my second sighting of a Harrier this fall.&nbsp; The clouds thin and the light comes through and the marsh becomes a spectacular scene of golden grasses under deep blue clouds.<br /><br />Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-50891948862919265792017-12-06T10:42:00.000-08:002017-12-06T10:42:09.331-08:00Authenticity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xdgt607ivvk/Wig4bydPZ6I/AAAAAAAAFPw/HusVoUOUNLsLNkL_zhAA6-ioGtUpbKmWwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3900x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xdgt607ivvk/Wig4bydPZ6I/AAAAAAAAFPw/HusVoUOUNLsLNkL_zhAA6-ioGtUpbKmWwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3900x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>8:22 am, set out from the Foote Bridge just barely above low tide.<br /><br />JM posted a question today asking his friends how they defined and sought authenticity in their lives.&nbsp; It is a fine seed for thought before setting out in my canoe.&nbsp; It fills my head as I paddle.<br /><br />A light breeze at my back strengthens suddenly and I pull into an inlet to sit and wait and see if the wind will hold or dissipate.&nbsp; I have just gotten over a nasty cold and this is the first day that I could've paddled and although not ideal, it will have to do.&nbsp; I came down out of the woods with just enough water to float the canoe through the shallows except for a couple hundred feet of the Gravel Flats...an ankle deep wade.&nbsp; I saw the man who lives in the house overlooking that spot.&nbsp; I have never seen him before, nor anyone else from there, and I wonder if he has seen me during my many trips.&nbsp; But, he is too far away for that conversation.&nbsp; We wave to each other.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCxlCbVl5ds/Wig4cr_q_0I/AAAAAAAAFP4/teU2q0IRq4c7Z8g7IubuNrLxm0bsLBDCACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3907x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCxlCbVl5ds/Wig4cr_q_0I/AAAAAAAAFP4/teU2q0IRq4c7Z8g7IubuNrLxm0bsLBDCACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3907x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Integrity is the first word that comes to mind when I consider authenticity.&nbsp; In fact, I see no difference in the words.&nbsp; Say what you mean, mean what you say.&nbsp; Choose friends because they are friends and allies because they are allies and know that the two sets are not identical.&nbsp; Follow your own path.&nbsp; The paths of your parents, friends, heroes, ministers or famous philosophers are not your path.&nbsp; Think of them as periodic guides and learn what you can from them.&nbsp; At times their paths will coincide with yours and at times they will be distant.&nbsp; Know that you do not know where your path is leading...there are no shortcuts.&nbsp; The world is littered with people who have tried a shortcut and can no longer find their way back to their path.&nbsp; You are not in control of anything except staying on the path.&nbsp; Be wary of inertia, it can help you along your path, but it can also drive you off of it.&nbsp; Do not medicate your emotions or frustrations.&nbsp; Sooner or later you have to deal with them face to face or they will eat you.&nbsp; The middle road is the road to enlightenment.&nbsp; The Jones' have their own path, do not try to keep up with them.&nbsp; Your success is definable only by you, because no one else is on your path.&nbsp; You may not see it this way...this is my path, not yours.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fVxbdgJnC1o/Wig4caTBumI/AAAAAAAAFP0/Zl4F4hhbFbQ57_AWGr5tSYxrGPRsSn8LwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3914x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fVxbdgJnC1o/Wig4caTBumI/AAAAAAAAFP0/Zl4F4hhbFbQ57_AWGr5tSYxrGPRsSn8LwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3914x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-14733147372170888162017-11-25T13:39:00.000-08:002017-11-25T13:39:10.700-08:00Nothing to Add<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GERxxwXVhfg/WhnhvUirl9I/AAAAAAAAFPg/NFNMtTPuT1g3Vj5zo2V6hbr9bHn84ubowCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3854x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GERxxwXVhfg/WhnhvUirl9I/AAAAAAAAFPg/NFNMtTPuT1g3Vj5zo2V6hbr9bHn84ubowCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3854x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;I have nothing to add other than it was a spectacular autumn day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0p2KIiZUjU/Whnht8ibAaI/AAAAAAAAFPY/ZeFHmL1aUYAWLdCEk9NeMhIDSZ6PMkMJgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3845x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0p2KIiZUjU/Whnht8ibAaI/AAAAAAAAFPY/ZeFHmL1aUYAWLdCEk9NeMhIDSZ6PMkMJgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3845x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>&nbsp;Menunketusuck River.&nbsp; 8 mallards, 6 black ducks, 3 buffleheads, 3 mid sized hawks of all same species, 2 kingfishers, 2 great blue herons.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mUaV3O6Q5nY/WhnhvQVwIiI/AAAAAAAAFPc/1lETUrHKP7kV4SesVXGcA73CgzQiHRrZACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3864x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mUaV3O6Q5nY/WhnhvQVwIiI/AAAAAAAAFPc/1lETUrHKP7kV4SesVXGcA73CgzQiHRrZACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3864x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-26314133569364375032017-11-21T16:57:00.004-08:002017-11-21T16:57:36.164-08:00Returning to Where I am<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9FR3cw9VgRI/WhTKet0kspI/AAAAAAAAFOw/CEaWQWjwG78Rqk4zjomkwP9xss8HlGI7ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3793x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9FR3cw9VgRI/WhTKet0kspI/AAAAAAAAFOw/CEaWQWjwG78Rqk4zjomkwP9xss8HlGI7ACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_3793x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Winter is approaching and soon enough&nbsp; the Great Swamp will freeze over.&nbsp; Each day that comes is one last chance to return and see how the new and impressively active beaver colonies are preparing for winter.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JjU6HOaDMZE/WhTKgGJ6hiI/AAAAAAAAFO0/Mb3noEghs1oodmqsYOPCjZH9X89Jpo55QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3796x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JjU6HOaDMZE/WhTKgGJ6hiI/AAAAAAAAFO0/Mb3noEghs1oodmqsYOPCjZH9X89Jpo55QCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_3796x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fresh cutting</td></tr></tbody></table>I put in at the top and find the water maybe a foot down from my last trip, which occurred after a large storm.&nbsp; Rain seems to drive water level here and I imagine that the swamp catches everything from the surrounding hills as long as it is wet enough for the ground water to percolate.&nbsp; The swamp is a high point with rivers heading both north and south....no rivers drain into the swamp.<br />Anyway, the water is still high enough for easy paddling.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TDq6Tc8FQPI/WhTKglkZSxI/AAAAAAAAFO4/64QT8nPuDxYJjgoSRmPIORxdY9Ori2qywCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3811x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TDq6Tc8FQPI/WhTKglkZSxI/AAAAAAAAFO4/64QT8nPuDxYJjgoSRmPIORxdY9Ori2qywCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_3811x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The water begins to pool, reaching into the riverside brush, when I am between Pine Island and the Cult facility on the hillside.&nbsp;<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-86Yy8rQ0_Fw/WhTKiMINhQI/AAAAAAAAFO8/pzNJQa-eJ9MI7-tff_XqQ_Gkj940a33EACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3827x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-86Yy8rQ0_Fw/WhTKiMINhQI/AAAAAAAAFO8/pzNJQa-eJ9MI7-tff_XqQ_Gkj940a33EACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_3827x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New lodge - owners of the lowest dam</td></tr></tbody></table>It is a beautiful day with sun casting long shadows in the gray sticks.&nbsp; The wind is variable and more than likely comes as strong gusts with near total calm in between.&nbsp; I flush a pair of wood ducks once in awhile.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ueBcn9J4pRc/WhTKjSIXlZI/AAAAAAAAFPA/gAfRjOWw3BMomMtxWa_XCIdPKxlUr5scgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3830x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ueBcn9J4pRc/WhTKjSIXlZI/AAAAAAAAFPA/gAfRjOWw3BMomMtxWa_XCIdPKxlUr5scgCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_3830x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the lowest dam</td></tr></tbody></table>Every so often the outside world starts to intrude on my trip.&nbsp; I inhale deeply, as if to inhale the entire surrounding, as if to inhale all of the sounds and silence and dried cattails and gray sticks, as if to inhale the Great Swamp.&nbsp; And when I do so I find that I have returned to where I am.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R42c46xlxp8/WhTK_QuOKoI/AAAAAAAAFPI/u9ctJ86TAlIn-UkwdPcMVUGnJ8R5eHVMQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3836x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R42c46xlxp8/WhTK_QuOKoI/AAAAAAAAFPI/u9ctJ86TAlIn-UkwdPcMVUGnJ8R5eHVMQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3836x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I turn back when I get to the lowest dam, which is also one of the newest.&nbsp; The dams have not changed much since a month ago, but the new lodges have been winterized.&nbsp; Each was near five feet tall and packed recently with mud to seal the structure from the coming winter.&nbsp; Both of those new lodges also had a good mass of cut saplings and branches in the water near the lodge - food for the freeze over.Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-2771225446553929582017-11-16T15:21:00.002-08:002017-11-16T15:21:40.953-08:00Finding GaneshaNote to self:&nbsp; If you're wearing wool pants to canoe in, pack a thermos of hot coffee.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K09zmFoUq4E/Wg4ZdaApQ9I/AAAAAAAAFOM/U9SaAA8sdbwWtxSZC2-vVCoAroxFbcxTwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3767x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K09zmFoUq4E/Wg4ZdaApQ9I/AAAAAAAAFOM/U9SaAA8sdbwWtxSZC2-vVCoAroxFbcxTwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3767x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I woke to a windy day and it seemed that my plans might have to change.&nbsp; But after a brief and hard rain the air went comparatively still.&nbsp; I began to scan weather reports looking for the best weather.&nbsp; I found a spot, and I went there.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2_NqHIix_2U/Wg4Zd48JqNI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/qK4sJYGZouIwY8Z6b_EZkJHb71uZqrFUwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3756x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2_NqHIix_2U/Wg4Zd48JqNI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/qK4sJYGZouIwY8Z6b_EZkJHb71uZqrFUwCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_3756x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I spotted a large fungus at the base of a tree a few yards from the put-in.&nbsp; I walked over and found a Ganesha.&nbsp; I don't usually like to leave man-made things in wild spots, but this was hard to spot, besides being someones spirit object.&nbsp; I let it be.&nbsp; Besides, Ganesha has all the right attributes for my journey.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E4wsQZlGQUQ/Wg4ZegMaa3I/AAAAAAAAFOU/zQBkth0R-5oCldW5q_jQinwuBzpQpj30ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3775x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E4wsQZlGQUQ/Wg4ZegMaa3I/AAAAAAAAFOU/zQBkth0R-5oCldW5q_jQinwuBzpQpj30ACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_3775x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I headed up the river deeper into the forest.&nbsp; The sky was a heavy overcast with a definite possibility for rain.&nbsp; It was dark, dank and what most people would call, gloomy.&nbsp; In my mind it was just nature...take it as it comes, experience it in all of its twists and turns.&nbsp; I hoped to continue upriver farther than I had gone in the past.&nbsp; I had a gut feeling that I would find high water and easy paddling.&nbsp; This was, however, not the case.&nbsp; 40 minutes out the river ran low, just as I neared the railroad trestle.&nbsp; A couple hundred yards of wading would be necessary to go higher.&nbsp; Instead, I turned back to explore the lower marsh.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wn9aErZHABs/Wg4ZhEyYQtI/AAAAAAAAFOY/GEtvbXeYNUMBOmN4u3Djgr03u9eTegnZACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3786x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wn9aErZHABs/Wg4ZhEyYQtI/AAAAAAAAFOY/GEtvbXeYNUMBOmN4u3Djgr03u9eTegnZACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_3786x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The sun popped through just as I passed my put-in.&nbsp; Somewhere not too far below this point is where the tide is noticeable.&nbsp; Today's very high tide began to show its stuff - water at the base of the trees, the berm that contains the river (separating it from more marsh) barely rising above the water.&nbsp; I met a duck hunter on his way out.&nbsp; He had seen only two ducks this morning.&nbsp; I told him that I had seen about 30 mallards, but all on my upriver foray.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xbmKik41054/Wg4ZjeuoQNI/AAAAAAAAFOg/2nd-uKA8zsMQeLY5oBTBrbvqHMFCufopACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3790x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xbmKik41054/Wg4ZjeuoQNI/AAAAAAAAFOg/2nd-uKA8zsMQeLY5oBTBrbvqHMFCufopACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3790x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nest</td></tr></tbody></table>The side channels of the big marsh were topped up with the tide.&nbsp; I spent my time exploring a few places that I've not gone to before.&nbsp; I spotted one dark mid sized raptor with a white butt...Northern Harrier.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WeKJ3ouYnqY/Wg4Zh74QSsI/AAAAAAAAFOk/DXiySygyIdcUpX1-x4wU_lhE3aplPhm5gCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3789x.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WeKJ3ouYnqY/Wg4Zh74QSsI/AAAAAAAAFOk/DXiySygyIdcUpX1-x4wU_lhE3aplPhm5gCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_3789x.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-68059883218244819782017-11-15T11:33:00.002-08:002017-11-15T11:33:50.320-08:00Here I Bow DownToday is the purge.&nbsp; Nine days in a row of working for the KoolAid drinkers, watching them engage in the tired old games with the belief that they will look good in the eyes of people who have drunk far more KoolAid than they.&nbsp;&nbsp; Sometimes I think that I am standing far too close to a manure spreader.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2TpXbGGiEI/WgyWHOXjTQI/AAAAAAAAFN4/oz7lI-kQjyYFqm23xIFPN_ez0Lps_1OfwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3722x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2TpXbGGiEI/WgyWHOXjTQI/AAAAAAAAFN4/oz7lI-kQjyYFqm23xIFPN_ez0Lps_1OfwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3722x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The river makes that all, more or less, irrelevant.&nbsp; I'll do my work, but I will not bow down.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qHxnU_tgYlI/WgyWGY6cOwI/AAAAAAAAFN0/Dejxh-l_vg07i7FvxnYELNtuerZ--9zbACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3737x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qHxnU_tgYlI/WgyWGY6cOwI/AAAAAAAAFN0/Dejxh-l_vg07i7FvxnYELNtuerZ--9zbACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3737x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Beyond all of that, here in the marsh where the high tide ebbs with a strong current under bright fall sunlight and a cool sky, beyond all that there is a balance.&nbsp; I don't count for much here in the marsh, nor should I.&nbsp; I am here at the mercy and pleasure of something far greater that I will never fully understand.&nbsp; Here, I bow down.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yMAFPbEW1tI/WgyWIMWUqYI/AAAAAAAAFN8/mR0qqy4LxIsQ7nGM4XUVK0-Zt09SOpDWgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3747x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yMAFPbEW1tI/WgyWIMWUqYI/AAAAAAAAFN8/mR0qqy4LxIsQ7nGM4XUVK0-Zt09SOpDWgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3747x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The day is quiet and few birds are about....1 Great Blue Heron, 3 Hooded Mergansers, 1 Kingfisher, a dozen Yellow Legs, 1 unidentified hawk.Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-65510065250669906722017-11-02T15:36:00.003-07:002017-11-02T15:36:57.198-07:00The Real Purpose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkE5W_npWFk/WfucJsuC5KI/AAAAAAAAFNY/xoLXp-udR4snb4IcoADzg2pUsjM0ZJaHQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3710x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkE5W_npWFk/WfucJsuC5KI/AAAAAAAAFNY/xoLXp-udR4snb4IcoADzg2pUsjM0ZJaHQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3710x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I didn't come here to look at the birds and I didn't come here to look at the new beaver dams and lodges, which went up in the last two months.&nbsp; Of course, I would do all of these things, a fortuitous by-product of my real purpose, but not the real purpose.<br /><br /><br />I was here just four days ago.&nbsp; I come here five or six times each year between April and the freezing in, so two trips in four days is a bit of compression.&nbsp; If I lived closer, I would probably spend most of my paddling days in this swamp.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1q0YfAjm7FI/WfucJN9CqmI/AAAAAAAAFNU/IZtAVmUGizolxGIbHRnBbK9xPK5n_KLdgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3678x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1q0YfAjm7FI/WfucJN9CqmI/AAAAAAAAFNU/IZtAVmUGizolxGIbHRnBbK9xPK5n_KLdgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3678x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood Duck and Kingfisher</td></tr></tbody></table>Four days ago the water was high when I put in at the lower end of this stretch.&nbsp; Today, I start up at the top and the water still looks high, very high in fact.&nbsp; I suspect another new beaver dam not too far down river.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zEGaWwn2wtM/WfucKcChm8I/AAAAAAAAFNc/r5hJS6r1_yktJOHTchdcD75qYz_lt2QhgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3704x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zEGaWwn2wtM/WfucKcChm8I/AAAAAAAAFNc/r5hJS6r1_yktJOHTchdcD75qYz_lt2QhgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3704x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The water is deep and dark, the bottom rarely appearing.&nbsp; The narrow river is wider than normal and the "step-overs" - bank to bank logs - are either paddled over or end run.&nbsp;&nbsp; A half mile in I begin to flush wood ducks and mallards.&nbsp; I spot a large hawk and one kingfisher.&nbsp; But best of all, it is a good and easy paddle in the deeper waters.&nbsp;<br /><br />When I get near the only bridge, I can gauge that the water is about two feet deeper than it was four days ago.&nbsp; It is a by-product of a strong storm of heavy wind and rain.&nbsp; I also wish that I had brought a bow paddler with...another by-product of that storm is that there are strands of spider web and spiders everywhere and I am constantly brushing them from my face.&nbsp; No doubt they are rebuilding their traps.&nbsp; I paddled over three beaver dams without noticing them...high water.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wCwUKsgSB1w/WfucL9DuDoI/AAAAAAAAFNg/qTIKC0mkFo8o10g0bAoRqv_R7EH1XtWQACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3713x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wCwUKsgSB1w/WfucL9DuDoI/AAAAAAAAFNg/qTIKC0mkFo8o10g0bAoRqv_R7EH1XtWQACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3713x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />There is something about finding new beaver dams and lodges that buoys the soul.&nbsp; Particularly at this time when we have an immature brat running our country, corporations trying to cash in on the last of the oil reserves before climate change kills us and threats of warfare...so much shortsighted stupidity.&nbsp; Finding a new beaver dam and lodge demonstrates to me that some parts of the world go on functioning as they should.&nbsp; Beaver build dams to protect their lodges and territories.&nbsp; Wood ducks take cover in the flooded shrubs, woodpeckers feed and nest in the flooded trees, fish lay eggs, survive and do better in the deeper and cooler waters.&nbsp; No matter what is going on in the inhumane human world, the beaver do what beaver do.&nbsp; The marsh grows, the trees get flooded and die, the marsh silts in, the marsh becomes a meadow, the beaver move to another place, the meadow becomes a forest, and that is continuing is comforting.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DkdMlFHtl3I/WfucNV1JM5I/AAAAAAAAFNk/fwPdw3YLkXEbOI6uVMI3WEwjVFaFmsSHwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3720x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DkdMlFHtl3I/WfucNV1JM5I/AAAAAAAAFNk/fwPdw3YLkXEbOI6uVMI3WEwjVFaFmsSHwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3720x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-83582237458088183612017-10-28T16:46:00.002-07:002017-10-28T16:46:53.179-07:00Seven DamsA group of 10 boats sets out while I am preparing for my own start.&nbsp; They have five minutes on me, so I hurry at a good pace to catch up and pass them, my new adage, "first one up the river sees the most" on my mind.&nbsp; Groups of 10 boats don't see much anyway...too much talking.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iDUZqwzIMBk/WfUVzUyavNI/AAAAAAAAFMs/SD020CLXMw4PGXV4NCPdzbhQ4TmArtnrQCLcBGAs/s1600/xIMG_3616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iDUZqwzIMBk/WfUVzUyavNI/AAAAAAAAFMs/SD020CLXMw4PGXV4NCPdzbhQ4TmArtnrQCLcBGAs/s400/xIMG_3616.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTxjz3eLPo8/WfUVzxBZyrI/AAAAAAAAFMw/KOflGgWcy_Iz0mIDq6LNuFPQtwslNoz4gCLcBGAs/s1600/xIMG_3623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTxjz3eLPo8/WfUVzxBZyrI/AAAAAAAAFMw/KOflGgWcy_Iz0mIDq6LNuFPQtwslNoz4gCLcBGAs/s400/xIMG_3623.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I catch them at the first bend.&nbsp; It is a guided tour and the guide is giving the first lecture.&nbsp; I turn the next bend and get to watch a 8-point white tail buck wading across the river.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IaFkr7wZNks/WfUVxJIL71I/AAAAAAAAFMo/eXMWM9617LEcKPD8OUXpx4Lw59_PAqx4QCLcBGAs/s1600/xIMG_3628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IaFkr7wZNks/WfUVxJIL71I/AAAAAAAAFMo/eXMWM9617LEcKPD8OUXpx4Lw59_PAqx4QCLcBGAs/s400/xIMG_3628.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The first beaver dam comes unexpected.&nbsp; It was not here two months ago...not even a hint.&nbsp; In fact, it is still soft, silt and plant material have not filtered into the sticks and branches.&nbsp; But, it holds back a foot of water.&nbsp; It also holds back two kayakers, one sleeping and one preoccupied with looking through a camouflaged 12 zillion power zoom lens.&nbsp; I cross the dam.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-owSyMfc9UWA/WfUV1KBkixI/AAAAAAAAFM0/BXbFDvetL9I5e42UHUX4wUL6TG2HtxgXgCLcBGAs/s1600/xIMG_3636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-owSyMfc9UWA/WfUV1KBkixI/AAAAAAAAFM0/BXbFDvetL9I5e42UHUX4wUL6TG2HtxgXgCLcBGAs/s400/xIMG_3636.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#3</td></tr></tbody></table>Around the next bend I find the new beaver lodge that is associated with the brand new dam.&nbsp; Their dam is holding water that will make this entire trip an easier paddle than normal.&nbsp; I begin to flush ducks, dozens of wood ducks with a rare mallard at times.<br /><br />In the low autumn light the gray sticks area of the lower marsh is nothing short of spectacular. <br /><br />Dam 2 comes unexpected as well, although there were new scent mounds in the vicinity before I saw the dam.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5O4zYZFXLs/WfUV3pe0p0I/AAAAAAAAFM4/h_QALf68oo8dTEgavguKEj_39__3S2QfACLcBGAs/s1600/xIMG_3649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5O4zYZFXLs/WfUV3pe0p0I/AAAAAAAAFM4/h_QALf68oo8dTEgavguKEj_39__3S2QfACLcBGAs/s400/xIMG_3649.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Dam 3 is no longer important.&nbsp; It has been the first dam for a couple years, but now it is barely higher than the downstream water due to the new works.&nbsp; It is clear that no one has been up here this morning...I am flushing wood ducks at regular intervals.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tx8OoQdplw/WfUV5foOrqI/AAAAAAAAFNA/43-T1j1QzhcGYp2w-VQ5SfdGfAgXEjEkgCLcBGAs/s1600/xIMG_3656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tx8OoQdplw/WfUV5foOrqI/AAAAAAAAFNA/43-T1j1QzhcGYp2w-VQ5SfdGfAgXEjEkgCLcBGAs/s400/xIMG_3656.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>It is the middle section...a stretch of forested water between the two open air marshes where is goes wild.&nbsp; At each of the bends I shake loose a dozen or twenty wood ducks.&nbsp; As I was getting ready to write that I have spotted dozens of wood ducks, I have in short order spotted hundreds.&nbsp; I have never seen so many wood ducks, period.<br /><br />Dam 4 is a pleasant surprise.&nbsp; While it was here before, it has recently been raised a foot or so.&nbsp; Immediately, I know that this will change a couple of awkward deadfall "step-overs" into "paddle-overs".<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V93OKgre2Ew/WfUV4KHHXOI/AAAAAAAAFM8/AoCxCNaPOTIuQPxa0vRkeMa1vOjF5gP7ACLcBGAs/s1600/xIMG_3645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V93OKgre2Ew/WfUV4KHHXOI/AAAAAAAAFM8/AoCxCNaPOTIuQPxa0vRkeMa1vOjF5gP7ACLcBGAs/s400/xIMG_3645.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#4</td></tr></tbody></table>Dam 5 comes right after 4.&nbsp; It is a minor new dam on a narrow section of the river.<br /><br />Dam 6 is an easy step over and it supersedes Dam 7, which barely shows above the water.&nbsp; The beaver have been quite active in late summer and early fall.<br /><br />I turn back when I am near Pine Island, skipping the last partial mile of constant turning and weaving.&nbsp; Already, this has been one of my best trips ever into Great Swamp.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s9gwutByjMY/WfUWFQHZLwI/AAAAAAAAFNE/ERe6bxqWmwQ-bEU1iwjpsGatqBUCOxKtwCLcBGAs/s1600/xIMG_3671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s9gwutByjMY/WfUWFQHZLwI/AAAAAAAAFNE/ERe6bxqWmwQ-bEU1iwjpsGatqBUCOxKtwCLcBGAs/s400/xIMG_3671.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I meet no other person until I am just above Dam 1, which is still holding a foot of water back on the upriver side...and four kayakers on the downriver side.&nbsp; They ask me how to cross a beaver dam...I respond, "Well, you will have to get out of the boat."&nbsp; They watch me...because it is still soft, it is tricky.&nbsp; I do not leave them confident....I continue down.<br /><br /><br />Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-75601567084705544622017-10-25T12:42:00.004-07:002017-10-25T12:42:34.645-07:00Following the Storm<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iR-ZRbs9L5E/WfDo2ff-MtI/AAAAAAAAFMM/Vmwk49ZntuIIX8NPtoILKz4N8qZGz4OdwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3581x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iR-ZRbs9L5E/WfDo2ff-MtI/AAAAAAAAFMM/Vmwk49ZntuIIX8NPtoILKz4N8qZGz4OdwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3581x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Yesterday brought a storm with rain and winds out of the southwest at 35+ mph.&nbsp; The last bit of road leading to the put-in spot is covered in beach sand with large puddles of salt water in the low spots.&nbsp; The strip of houses on this road live on borrowed time even with their concrete stilts.&nbsp; Their garages and carports no doubt ran with water yesterday and it was not even a particularly high tide.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IlFzpuwaTmg/WfDo3ilJ3NI/AAAAAAAAFMU/C8TM5rxdBu0z-ukZ3oTgq5fb-yOC52dwQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3585x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IlFzpuwaTmg/WfDo3ilJ3NI/AAAAAAAAFMU/C8TM5rxdBu0z-ukZ3oTgq5fb-yOC52dwQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3585x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The lower half of my paddle disappears from view with each stroke, the water in the river clouded with the silt that the storm washed from the tops of the spartina meadow...what constitutes firm ground in this area.&nbsp; Even now, there is a swirl of silt (the pattern that one sees when they put cream in coffee without stirring) at each of the rivulets that continue to drain last night's rain.<br /><br />But, for all of yeaterday's bluster, it is very calm and very peaceful under a low and thick overcast.&nbsp; It is more than anything, marsh weather...the weather that I associate with wetlands, something from my youth when I went to pothole swamps in the fall to hunt ducks with my dad.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HrLLNDuDBZk/WfDo3NIV2nI/AAAAAAAAFMQ/HKBbvT2qTIws1vzUAPRK575IbmWv0v_PwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3599x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HrLLNDuDBZk/WfDo3NIV2nI/AAAAAAAAFMQ/HKBbvT2qTIws1vzUAPRK575IbmWv0v_PwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3599x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The lower marsh is scarce of birds.&nbsp; Only when I get to the Big Bends do I start to see animal life with regularity...a couple Great Blue Herons, some Black Ducks, a small flock of Canada Geese, and quite a few Yellow-Legs.&nbsp; I spot two hawks as well, returned now that the Willets aren't here to sound the alarm and make their hunting nearly impossible.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CkBuiuQBHtM/WfDo4rdKgVI/AAAAAAAAFMY/UtBx_CGzETMlq9EYxLAWX_ajlzO1qpEXwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3602x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CkBuiuQBHtM/WfDo4rdKgVI/AAAAAAAAFMY/UtBx_CGzETMlq9EYxLAWX_ajlzO1qpEXwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3602x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I turn at Foote Bridge and paddle back against a gentle flood tide current and light wind, both of which do nothing except make the day feel special.Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-22812009317153915202017-10-23T18:36:00.000-07:002017-10-23T18:36:09.891-07:00Hot CoalsI was short on energy today, but this is the time of the year when you go with the weather and tomorrow is predicted to be raining with gusts to 38 mph.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KaPXfJk_xcM/We6YrHmPDBI/AAAAAAAAFL4/mY065J6UgA4oEXiXIsd68VUH3AfePuQKACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3552x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1238" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KaPXfJk_xcM/We6YrHmPDBI/AAAAAAAAFL4/mY065J6UgA4oEXiXIsd68VUH3AfePuQKACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3552x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>&nbsp;Messerschmidt Pond.&nbsp; Not great fall color, but not too bad either.&nbsp; The maples were the color of hot coals.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cocK9T1UqHs/We6YqUNHZxI/AAAAAAAAFL0/iVtfN4yuVEIisPKzAiRFgO6sn_RL6osrACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3559x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1238" height="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cocK9T1UqHs/We6YqUNHZxI/AAAAAAAAFL0/iVtfN4yuVEIisPKzAiRFgO6sn_RL6osrACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3559x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TavmBJRieZg/We6Yrs6-tYI/AAAAAAAAFL8/3fup6M1Ue5EPtAIeOjdzpTwECMRK_-ReACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3568x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1238" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TavmBJRieZg/We6Yrs6-tYI/AAAAAAAAFL8/3fup6M1Ue5EPtAIeOjdzpTwECMRK_-ReACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3568x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-89455441578180513842017-10-19T13:16:00.001-07:002017-10-19T13:17:54.744-07:00FamilyI put in on the Lieutenant River and headed seaward against the last of the flood tide and a stiff quartering headwind on a clear and comfortable day.&nbsp; I spotted a few Great Blue Herons along the way, but otherwise it was quiet.&nbsp; I thought long about my wife and my family.&nbsp; I suppose my last trip here with my wife was the seed for that.&nbsp; It was good and this was a good place for thoughtful meanders.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3jHikHtfX6U/WekIB0tWzEI/AAAAAAAAFLk/yP-07NiFi-IeIVhBUAvb4WMO20Og-qVawCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3544x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3jHikHtfX6U/WekIB0tWzEI/AAAAAAAAFLk/yP-07NiFi-IeIVhBUAvb4WMO20Og-qVawCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3544x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>It took about an hour to get to the Black River, which had been a good plan on a high high tide, but the breeze had stiffened and it was obvious that my return out of the Black would be reduced to a arm busting slog straight into the wind.&nbsp; I turned back.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWDZiJQ8zNs/WekIB9dGmYI/AAAAAAAAFLg/2DJruHjwhLs59zLulCBblEHO1UIvNeZrwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3547x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWDZiJQ8zNs/WekIB9dGmYI/AAAAAAAAFLg/2DJruHjwhLs59zLulCBblEHO1UIvNeZrwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3547x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />On the return I paddled up the channel called the "Back River", which makes no geographical sense.&nbsp; It put me into the main channel of the Connecticut and so I wiggled and bobbled my way upriver on waves quartering from the rear until I could take the passage back to the Lieutenant.&nbsp; It was a short trip.Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-12046696887431922632017-10-18T16:59:00.000-07:002017-10-18T16:59:44.842-07:00A Day for Not TalkingThe Elf Forest comes at me with a myriad of scents - the smell of stale wood smoke, perhaps the leftovers of stove burning last night to warm a cool evening, something that has settled here in the lowest of places.&nbsp; Then, it slides sideways for the sharp taste of a dry forest floor carried down on the heavy cool air...which way is the wind blowing?&nbsp; ........downhill....the physics of shady forested hillsides.&nbsp; Then, just for a few seconds, an opening appears and the damp decay of the marsh plays a brief solo.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mWg5TbGhuD4/WefpZUPKBoI/AAAAAAAAFLM/uNs0TdgBFlozmQyxB3GhXNlR7r9I-lvuACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3526x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mWg5TbGhuD4/WefpZUPKBoI/AAAAAAAAFLM/uNs0TdgBFlozmQyxB3GhXNlR7r9I-lvuACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3526x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering the Elf Forest</td></tr></tbody></table>The Elf Forest going golden with the arrival of fall is coming at me with something for each of my senses.<br />Something is approaching at my right, behind my shoulder...<br /><br /><br />After I have left the Elf Forest, I pass on oncoming canoe.<br />"Nice day," he says.<br />"It sure is," I reply.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxQSURVmky4/WefpaAQpqxI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/MPlQC8RcWsEoKmj2uMiY8TCFDYXXGwkpACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3514x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxQSURVmky4/WefpaAQpqxI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/MPlQC8RcWsEoKmj2uMiY8TCFDYXXGwkpACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3514x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I explore another side channel.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5KEyV9vN_YQ/WefpYsop73I/AAAAAAAAFLI/fq-lLFSieVg-AJ4F5Ozr5ogzetuMDzniwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3534x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5KEyV9vN_YQ/WefpYsop73I/AAAAAAAAFLI/fq-lLFSieVg-AJ4F5Ozr5ogzetuMDzniwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3534x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I spot two more kayaks coming my way.&nbsp; It would be rude as shit to not greet them.&nbsp; But, talking has been a distraction.&nbsp; So, I circle quickly and enter a side channel that I had just passed hoping that they do not follow me.&nbsp; I go to the end and return, maybe a 1/3 of a mile.&nbsp; They have passed, but not by much.&nbsp; I stay silent and head on my way.&nbsp; It is a day for not talking.Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-56702336752412632982017-10-12T20:01:00.005-07:002017-10-12T20:01:50.010-07:00Doing the Wash<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MmEWKV_YrCE/WeAsAxjDxKI/AAAAAAAAFKk/FWFw2F-C4uoDQ4O4ahO_C2taq2pfczOIgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3464x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MmEWKV_YrCE/WeAsAxjDxKI/AAAAAAAAFKk/FWFw2F-C4uoDQ4O4ahO_C2taq2pfczOIgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3464x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Well up the cove I find myself still preoccupied with those dingy thoughts of daily life.&nbsp; I turn up the small creek that drains the backside of one of the river's bordering hills.&nbsp; It is shallow due to low tide and I won't get as far as I normally do.&nbsp; I stop and sit for awhile.&nbsp; <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9NHgH3ltlCo/WeAsB89b7UI/AAAAAAAAFKo/oxowj2w-lOwTxrIpDkhNcHcBikWpt86WwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3466x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9NHgH3ltlCo/WeAsB89b7UI/AAAAAAAAFKo/oxowj2w-lOwTxrIpDkhNcHcBikWpt86WwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3466x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last Osprey</td></tr></tbody></table>A Great Blue Heron rises up from the shadows of the forest in the bend ahead of me.&nbsp; Before it flies out of my vision, it circles in the brilliant sunlight and unleashes a magnificent stream of cream colored shit.&nbsp; It really is that beautiful.&nbsp; The dingy thoughts are gone.&nbsp; I head back to the river.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HiENGxEONUI/WeAsClfBFNI/AAAAAAAAFKs/FbFeIL1XitgHPlYuivuVE_EELsI4xP2twCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3481x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HiENGxEONUI/WeAsClfBFNI/AAAAAAAAFKs/FbFeIL1XitgHPlYuivuVE_EELsI4xP2twCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3481x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>In fact, with the mind unburdened, good and creative ideas race through my mind faster than I can keep up.&nbsp; When I get to the state park, a former family summer resort..."Holiday in Hell" if the advertising images that I've seen were accurate, I envision cardboard cutouts of men in hats and bermuda shorts smoking pipes with other cardboard cutouts of June Cleaver look-a-likes toting trays of cookies and pitchers of Kool-Aid.&nbsp; Don't drink the Kool-Aid.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VnrbTvseCS8/WeAsEIM8RfI/AAAAAAAAFKw/8HHmMMnnCd0TXdf43IEI_7SN4mBJRk2RwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3482x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VnrbTvseCS8/WeAsEIM8RfI/AAAAAAAAFKw/8HHmMMnnCd0TXdf43IEI_7SN4mBJRk2RwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3482x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I continue up and take the narrow side channel...a bit of wading in here.&nbsp; Halfway up I come to a fresh and small beaver dam with a deep and well used beaver drag nearby.&nbsp; I have something to observe throughout the winter when other people are not around.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8aoa7UXz5Xs/WeAsGEl1t7I/AAAAAAAAFK0/0dritTkU5dMXmtzLAT0QTqXJ2upZD3O2QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3490x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8aoa7UXz5Xs/WeAsGEl1t7I/AAAAAAAAFK0/0dritTkU5dMXmtzLAT0QTqXJ2upZD3O2QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3490x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beaver drag and dam</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2635978003013442122.post-16157391599706444972017-10-11T15:20:00.000-07:002017-10-11T15:20:28.854-07:00When it's DifferentI put out onto a long reservoir,that looks enough like a lake to satisfy me, under a blue and gray marbled sky of overcast clouds.&nbsp; I follow the north shore at a distant that allows me to peer into the forested waterside.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NGZTCLjjDdc/Wd6YQETw1sI/AAAAAAAAFKM/4BhfYBCaXZoXOqvDFM0EevfdV-A61rgmgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3454x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NGZTCLjjDdc/Wd6YQETw1sI/AAAAAAAAFKM/4BhfYBCaXZoXOqvDFM0EevfdV-A61rgmgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3454x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>It isn't a day for reflections on nature.&nbsp; Instead it is a day to wash the dingy crud of daily life from my soul.&nbsp; But, my problems are minor compared to most people's and not worth writing about.&nbsp; They just need to be put to peace.&nbsp; Enough said.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PsA0O4Tu10k/Wd6YRHuKl8I/AAAAAAAAFKQ/FQxYY6ZJLCgbnx2Is4uV_C3a0RoTZBGugCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3458x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PsA0O4Tu10k/Wd6YRHuKl8I/AAAAAAAAFKQ/FQxYY6ZJLCgbnx2Is4uV_C3a0RoTZBGugCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3458x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Soon, the forested hillside yields to flat land.&nbsp; The deep reservoir water goes to shallow, consistently shallow.&nbsp; I am not over the natural channel of the Farmington.&nbsp; Somewhere in here that older deeper river course lies.&nbsp; Occasionally, I pass houses, the owners of which have often turned their shoreline into some sort of white trash encampment...junk lawn chairs, junk boats, junk remains of docks, etc.&nbsp; Anyway, that doesn't happen too often.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RBj7KHk-IP0/Wd6YNtq-DFI/AAAAAAAAFKE/uV2n58Xq8oAhm4OTCsAcLG4TI3U5hsh_QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3451x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RBj7KHk-IP0/Wd6YNtq-DFI/AAAAAAAAFKE/uV2n58Xq8oAhm4OTCsAcLG4TI3U5hsh_QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3451x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I pass a couple old abutments...later I discover that they are the remains of the late 19th century Oil City Dam.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bOmVcM2nn6M/Wd6YPUJtXSI/AAAAAAAAFKI/n4a3aSwduX03Xq-mXm2SKPS998bgOsa6QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3457x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bOmVcM2nn6M/Wd6YPUJtXSI/AAAAAAAAFKI/n4a3aSwduX03Xq-mXm2SKPS998bgOsa6QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3457x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the original channel</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The reservoir necks down and I finally pick up some head current, the outflow from the Tariffville Gorge.&nbsp; I turn back and find that one of the inlets that I passed on the south shore is the original channel of the Farmington.&nbsp; It's uncanny, but I can feel the spirit of a running river when I am over the drowned original channel.&nbsp; It is different here.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CzihyUM097w/Wd6YSMSyJ3I/AAAAAAAAFKU/WRvynTKX1S84gbZDw3pl9LPyd0vaTdsCQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3460x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CzihyUM097w/Wd6YSMSyJ3I/AAAAAAAAFKU/WRvynTKX1S84gbZDw3pl9LPyd0vaTdsCQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3460x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">swimming copperhead</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Scott Schuldthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220924408624888206noreply@blogger.com0